Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@marko
• an hour ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Ken Longfield:
Marko, thank you for your comments and the link to Martin Oesterle's website. Of course he is free the call the instruments he makes anything..."
@marko
• an hour ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Nate:
I would be curious to glance in at the "friends of the german scheitholt" forum to see how the conversations go xD
Here is the link to the..."
@karen-b
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Wanted: The “next” dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Wanted: The “next” dulcimer":
"My student is looking for a short scale (25-26”) standard dulcimer. Good sustain, mellow tone, no 1.5 fret. Anyone culling their herd and wanting to sell a..."
@jack-m
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @jack-m: Fret Position
Liked a group discussions item created by @jack-m: Fret Position
@jack-m
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Fret Position:
Posted a new Comment on Fret Position:
"Thanks Nate,
I thought they would show those in a calculator but nooooo. I'll play with it tomorrow. I have the 6.5 position but after listening to some..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
"I have at least one tear drop (I should know whether I have more than one, but it's late) and I enjoy it. That one is set up as a DAAA tuning and has a nice..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
"Nice history and connections with the past in making these instruments, Shop Dad."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @whispering-tune:
Posted a new Comment on @whispering-tune:
"Hi Whispering Tune, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer, a good place to come, spend some time. learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @flyncowboy:
Posted a new Comment on @flyncowboy:
"Hi Cowboy, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @carol-h:
Posted a new Comment on @carol-h:
"Hi Carol, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ejerrym:
Posted a new Comment on @ejerrym:
"Hi Jerry, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@carol-h
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
"Thank you! Yes, it has a pick up in it. It's my Jack Ferguson.
Nate:
Nicely played and pretty sounding. Does the dulcimer have a pickup? Thanks for sharing..."
@carol-h
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
"Thank you, Nate! It is a Dulci-Wrest, made by Tom Irving.
Nate:
Nicely played. What is the name of the accessory that you are resting your strumming wrist..."
@richard-streib
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ejerrym:
Posted a new Comment on @ejerrym:
"Glad you joined EJerryM. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There are a number of discussions about builders and building dulcimers on this site. "
@nate
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Fret Position:
Posted a new Comment on Fret Position:
"No, that is not the case, but the 1.5 and 6.5 are easy to get from a calculator
On a fret calculator, the only difference from one instrument to the next is..."
@skip
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Fret Position:
Posted a new Comment on Fret Position:
"No, they are a little bit towards the next higher fret [toward the bridge]. You can see the difference using the uke or banjo with the same VSL. count frets...."
@ken-longfield
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ejerrym:
Posted a new Comment on @ejerrym:
"Welcome to FOTMD, EJerryM. It's good to have you aboard. You can search through the various forums here to find out about various makers and the mountain..."
@jack-m
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "Fret Position":
Created a new Group discussion "Fret Position":
"Using Stewmac's fret position calculator for dulcimer I don't see 1.5 and 6.5 frets listed. Are 1.5 and 6.5 frets literally halfway between their neighbors?..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@ken-longfield
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Nate, I've never felt any disrespect from you and appreciate your inquisitiveness. You and others have an earnest desire to learn as much as you can about..."
@ken-longfield
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I don't know what is happening but in making a correction to my error, taught came out taught again. The word should be laugh. That's l a u g h .
Ken
"The..."
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines :
"Thanks, @strumelia ! The sun worked its "magic" yet we were not up for doing multiple takes of anything. We tried a different tune while we were set-up..."
@davisjames
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Henrietta's Wedding
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Henrietta's Wedding
@nate
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
"Nicely played. What is the name of the accessory that you are resting your strumming wrist on? It seems like a very clever device for extra comfort.
Nate"
@nate
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
"Nicely played and pretty sounding. Does the dulcimer have a pickup? Thanks for sharing
Nate"
@nate
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Peace:
Posted a new Comment on Peace:
"Really interesting and engaging to listen to, Damon. This kind of music works great to help me focus on things, and I'll definitely be listening to this more..."
@nate
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Marko:
Nate: I have been living in Germany for more than 30 years and I don't believe there are very many people who have even heard of the scheitholt,..."
@nate
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"While Im still having a hard time grasping it all, it seems to me that traditional scheitholts and epinettes often had the bridge in direct contact with the..."
@ken-longfield
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I see that I was caught by autocorrect and I didn't catch it. The correct word should be taught at Americans rather than they taught Americans.
Marko, thank..."
@marko
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Ken Longfield:
Nate:I wonder if germans have similar conversations about how modern scheitholts should be classified, the way we do about dulcimers...."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines :
"Very pensive, and beautifully played by you two."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Leather-Winged Bat:
Posted a new Comment on The Leather-Winged Bat:
"Wonderful song and i love your singing and playing it! (also love your paintings)"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Play Music On The Porch Day 2025 - Country Gardens:
Posted a new Comment on Play Music On The Porch Day 2025 - Country Gardens:
"Nicely done Ken! Sounds good, and nice to learn about your dulcimer build and your playing tools. :)"
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
"Wow. Really like the song and the playing."
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
"Yes this was for my oldest granddaughter. It was on my "Betty" and it has a 26 inch VSL. Music wire of number 4,4 and 8."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
"Great playing of a special tune."
@katahdin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
Posted a new Comment on Isabella:
"Dan: A very nice tune well played! (Curious what combo of board, box and strings you used for this?)"
@carol-h
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
"Thank you very much!
Homer Ross:
Enjoyed your tune and the description caused me to reflect on my childhood. Great memories...thank you!
"
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
Posted a new Comment on Carol Hatfield:
"Enjoyed your tune and the description caused me to reflect on my childhood. Great memories...thank you!"
@katahdin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Peace:
Posted a new Comment on Peace:
"Damon: Thank you for sharing your musical creation on this (perennially) timely theme!"
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 2:31 AM
By: @Karen B
By: @Karen B
A review of my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Tuesday September 9 2025, 2:40 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 3:17 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 10:18 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
practicing app
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New to the group, several...
Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New album
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
"Extra" frets and JI vs ET
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A Review of my album
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 6:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Minnesota
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 2:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 10:03 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing A Longer VSL
Posted: Tuesday August 12 2025, 12:51 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New Knopf Dulcimers website!
Posted: Sunday August 10 2025, 8:05 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
dulcimer music books for sale
Posted: Sunday August 10 2025, 6:02 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
Dulcimer building and...
Posted: Saturday August 9 2025, 3:47 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
Tuners on Folkcrat...
Posted: Saturday August 9 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @jimws
By: @jimws
Rebec
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 5:24 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
A Farewell
Posted: Sunday August 3 2025, 3:04 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Old dulcimers that want to...
Posted: Sunday August 3 2025, 3:32 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Read the Site Rules
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Ken Longfield  |
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